A schoolgirl with a rare form of cancer spoke of her “whirlwind of emotions” at her diagnosis, and her parents’ campaign to raise £10,000 for her care.

Rebecca Holden, 18, from Queensbury, said her whole life was ‘torn apart’ when she was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma in 2017 - a rare form of bone cancer.

Her father, Ray, said the Hatch End High School student experienced back pain during 2016, but Rebecca knew something was really wrong when she discovered blood in her urine.

After visiting Northwick Park Hospital she was referred to Central Middlesex Hospital for kidney tests which were clear. But during the scan three ‘golf ball’ sized tumours were discovered on her hip.

“I don’t really remember being told, it hit me afterwards,” Rebecca said. “I was told three words no one ever wants to hear: “You’ve got cancer” such news can really shatter ones dreams, hopes and aspirations.

“My life changed quickly, like a whirlwind of emotions, treatment and appointments. I’ve been trying to recover my life ever since.”

Her father Ray said he when he found out he was scared for her and felt ‘totally incompetent’ to do anything to help.

Rebecca had one operation in March 2017 at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore to remove the tumours.

Chondrosarcoma is immune to chemo and radiotherapy and that she did not lose her hair. It is something she has struggled with because everyone assumes she is a ‘healthy teenager’. “Everyone looks at me like I’m fine,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca used to play for Hampstead and Westminster Hockey Club two years ago, but said that it’s ‘not the same’ now. She said: “I can’t really do what normal teenagers do, I get tired really easily.”

She said she didn’t tell her friends until after the operation but that once she said it out aloud it became ‘more real’.

Rebecca’s parents, Ray and Nikki Holden will walk 225 miles from the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, to Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead where Rebecca was born to raise £10,000 for her rehabilitation and accessible lodgings when Rebecca goes to Kingston University in September to study primary education.

They will set off on April 9 walking for five days to reach Birkenhead on April 13.

Nikki said she is ‘so proud’ of Rebecca and that she will ‘always be there to support her’.

Rebecca must be clear for four years before she is in remission. She added: “I just want to get back to how I was before.”

Donations made to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/raymond-holden